11 Signs and Daily Habits That Age You Faster Without You Even Realizing It

People’s skin starts to age at the age of 25, where the first fine lines and wrinkles start to make their appearance. The elasticity is also not the same after that age and there are various reasons why all these things happen. Of course, genetics, poor blood supply and hormonal influences are major reasons for aging but there are also other things that we do every single day. Maybe some habits that are contributing to the appearance of aging signs.

1. You’re drinking lots of brewed coffee.

Many of us can’t imagine a day without a hot cup of coffee, but enjoying your cup of Java too often can actually make your skin look older. Because coffee is a diuretic, it slightly dehydrates your body, which in turn affects your skin, making it look dull and wrinkled. If you can’t stand the thought of facing the day without your cup of Joe, opt for instant coffee. It contains less caffeine than regular coffee and might be a better choice for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake.

2. You have little bumps on your face.

These tiny bumps are called milia, which are small white bumps that usually appear around the nose and cheeks. They can develop when our skin begins to lose its ability to exfoliate. Excessive use of products like steroid creams can make our skin age faster and cause milia.

3. You’re using straws on a daily basis.

Straws are not only detrimental to the environment, but they are also harmful to our faces. Scientists showed how straw usage promotes the formation of fine lines and wrinkles around the lips. In addition, repeatedly contracting the same muscles might deteriorate collagen over time, which might make you seem older than you are.

4. Your lips are getting thinner.

If you notice your lips start to thin out in your twenties, then it’s possible that your skin is aging more rapidly than normal. The main reason could be a decline in collagen in your lips. It can also be caused by dehydration, frequent use of straws, excessive sun exposure, and a lack of vitamin C.

5. You rub your eyes often.

Rubbing your eyes may give you temporary relief after spending hours at your desk, but this habit can make your eyes reddish and dry out the skin around them. Because the skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate, rubbing it can damage the blood vessels under its surface, leading to dark circles. Continuous eye rubbing can also loosen the skin around your eyes and stretch the tissue, leading to crow’s feet that are very hard to get rid of.

6. The texture of your skin becomes papery.

Prolonged exposure to the sun without sunscreen is a major reason why this happens. The damage is due to the breakdown of elastin, which allows our skin to stretch and return to its normal position. Those who frequently use tanning beds are also more at risk of this happening.

7. The tip of your nose has changed in shape.

For most people, a change in the shape of the nose naturally occurs in our forties. Unfortunately, skin aging due to the harmful effects of the sun can make this happen sooner. This can cause distress for most of us. Thankfully, modern rhinoplasty procedures are minimally invasive and have consistent, natural results.

8. You’re licking your lips.

Licking your lips may temporarily feel soothing, but in the long run, it will cause the delicate skin on your lips to become chapped and dehydrated. Your saliva contains enzymes that can actually dry out your lips and damage its protective barrier as it evaporates. To help yourself break the habit of licking your lips, always carry your favorite lip balm in your purse or keep it at your bedside table.

9. You see a lot of red moles on your face.

These red moles are also known as cherry angiomas and are commonly found in people older than 30, with an increased occurrence in those who are over 40 years old. These red spots aren’t harmful, but there are options for those who want them removed, like cryosurgery and laser surgery.

10. You have puffy eyes that never seem to go away.

It’s easy to overlook this one as we usually dismiss puffy eyes as a normal occurrence that starts in our twenties and not as a sign of rapid skin aging. Another reason for having puffy eyes, aside from lack of sleep, is fluid buildup around our eyes. One of the ways to make it go away is to cut out salty foods from our diet to prevent increased water retention in the eye area.

11. You’re not giving yourself enough time.

This seems unfathomable to many of us, but the reality is that nobody will ever make the time for you. So it’s something you must do for yourself, and it’s an essential anti-aging measure. Start by developing tiny me-time daily routines, such as writing a brief diary entry before bed or going on an evening run. These little acts of self-love contribute significantly to self-satisfaction and long-term health.

What was the first sign of aging that you noticed on your face? Was it lines on your forehead or smiling lines next to your mouth?